Two sharp, quick knocks on the door, a pause, and then two more. It is the agreed-on signal. José is on time. You have to hurry or you will miss the plane. You cannot hurry. You cannot separate yourselves from each other. You only want to cry. Close your eyes and remain in this state of unreality. The time destined for you has elapsed. It will not return. You have already talked. There will not be tears; things are the way they are. Perhaps in another time, in another place . . . But you did not decide where
